Boxing Day 2024-25 left a great protagonist: Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha (Joao Pesso, 1999). The former Atlético player, signed by Wolverhampton in exchange for 50 million, destroyed Manchester United (2-0).
At Molineux they played what Cunha wanted. The ‘wolves’ danced as they pleased and the ‘red devils’ were unable to keep up. A recital that was crowned with a goal and a landmark assist that allowed Wolverhampton to escape relegation.
The former Hertha and RB Leipzig ‘opened the can’ in the 58th minute… with a spectacular Olympic goal. He had previously warned and, the second time, he surprised Onana. In addition, he made it 2-0 to Hwang Hee-Chan in the 99th minute. The Korean just had to push her.
“He is a special player”
“I tried to shoot. It’s something we had trained and, this time, I was lucky to score,” Cunha revealed. “I think it is not a question of work, but of individual quality,” said Vítor Pereira.
Cunha, key for Gary O’Neil, already scored against Leicester (0-3) in the debut of Vítor Pereira, who has six points out of a possible six with the ‘Wolves’. To tell the truth, there is no one to stop the Brazilian, who has participated in 11 goals – he has scored seven and assisted in four – in the ‘wolves’ last 10 games.
“He is a top-level player. He is a special player. You can do things that make a difference in the small details,” insists Vítor Pereira.
You can do things that make a difference in the small details
Vitor Pereira
He is, in fact, Wolverhampton’s top scorer in the Premier with 10 goals and the fifth Premier player who takes the most shots (49). But Cunha plays and makes people play: he is also the fifth who completes the most dribbles (34), the fifth who filters the most passes into the area (33) and the ninth who receives the most fouls (30).
Wanted by Arsenal and PSG
Matheus Cunha’s exhibition coincided with the rumors surrounding his future. Shortly before the match, the alleged interest of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the former Atlético player emerged.
However, Vítor Pereira refuses to lose him. At least, in the winter market: “I agree with you [con el periodista]”We have to retain Matheus Cunha in January.”
We have to retain Cunha in January
Vitor Pereira
‘Exiled’ in Brazil
There is one aspect that catches Cunha’s attention. And this is how, despite his good performance with Wolverhampton, he has ‘disappeared’ from the Brazilian lists.
He hasn’t played with the ‘Seleçao’ for more than a year. Specifically, since October 18, 2023, in the defeat against Uruguay (2-0)… with Fernando Diniz on the bench. With Dorival Júnior he has not yet debuted.
